White watercolour vs while gouache

For most watercolour associations, the use of white paint (ex. Chinese White) or gouache, because they are opaque, disqualifies a painting from shows.  White areas are typically created by leaving areas of clean, untouched paper. This technique produces a white that has the cleanest and has the greatest contrast that can’t be reproduced with opaque paint. The use of white paint or gouache will remain controversial technique in watercolor painting for a long time.

Aside from that rule that some watercolour associations have, there is no right or wrong answer to a question about using white paint or gouache to solve your artistic dilemmas.  Some people use the touch of opaque white for things such as  highlights on eyes or petals, whiskers, etc.  Others use it extensively for various effects.  You must experiment to find out what you like.

If you want to use opaque white as an accent, which one do you prefer? Gouache is a little more fluid than watercolour and appears matte.  Chinese White is more transparent (or less opaque) and tonally weaker than white gouache, which has stronger covering power because of it’s opacity. If you're using Chinese White to cover a darker colour multiple layers will be required.

If you are interested in knowing more about gouache, check out this page:  http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/pigmt7.html

Today's feature artist is Cheryl Johnson:

See you in two weeks,
Danielle